The Mama Sisterhood

Some moments change a life forever.

When Melissa's son, Trenton, was injured during his senior year in a Friday night high school football game, everything changed in an instant. In the hours and days that followed, their family didn't fully understand the severity of his spinal cord injury or what the future would hold. Despite that, they clung tightly to their faith and their community support as they navigated all the changes in their world.

In this heartfelt episode, Melissa shares the raw emotions of those early days, the months spent traveling across the country...

In this deeply moving episode, I talk with Shelby, a mom whose life changed in an instant after her infant son, Benny, suffered a catastrophic injury while at daycare.

Shelby shares the heartbreaking story of the day everything changed—from a police officer arriving at her work to deliver the news to the long road of unanswered questions, hospital stays, and adjusting to a completely different future. Today, she is a full-time caregiver to Benny, whose medical complexities have transformed her family's daily life, while also running an online boutique and raising her two daughters.

We...

RE-RELEASE

Today, I'm happy to share my interview with Ashley, whose 8-year-old daughter, Sadie, has been diagnosed with a rare disease called Sanfilippo Syndrome. Sanfilippo, as described by Ashley, is similar to dementia or Alzheimer's, but in children. In this episode, you will hear about:- What is Sanfilippo and how does it present in children- What has been Sadie's journey in terms of diagnosis, symptoms, and the involvement in a clinical trial- How Ashley makes sure that Sadie's life is full of travel and adventure This one is SO full of great lessons for all of...

RE-RELEASE!

This is such an exciting episode!

Today, I have the honor of chatting with Jessie Boeckmann, whose daughter was born via surrogacy in Ukraine the day before Russia attacked. Jessie takes us along her journey as she escapes Ukraine with her husband and her newborn, driving and even walking to safety. You definitely don't want to miss this fascinating story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

This is a big thing to say, but it's true: this interview changed my life. I had the complete honor of interviewing Salym Liufau who is a mom of 4. Salym shares about her journey with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). While this diagnosis may have slowed down what she can do physically, it has also led her to really understand what is important in life - no longer worrying about things like having a Pinterest-worthy house, but instead, stopping to really absorb the joy in her children's faces and snuggling together as a family in bed, sharing movie nights. I'm...

On today's interview, I had the privilege to talk with Andi Almond about her family's incredible 13-month world schooling adventure. Andi and her family prepared for 5 years for this epic trip which took them through 27 different countries and 7 continents. She also tells about the details of world schooling her two kids, incorporating their lessons into where they were traveling. You'll love her stories about Morocco, Greece, Argentina, Nepal, Antarctica, and more!

You can check out Andi's adventures on IG @4almondsabroad and find her book, The Everywhere Classroom, at andialmond.com

What do you do when your worst fear becomes your reality — just as your life is beginning.

In this deeply moving conversation, Heather Palmer shares her journey through devastating loss, silent struggle, and ultimate healing. Shortly after getting married, Heather’s husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Because of the side effects of his treatment, they turned to IVF to conceive their daughter — a baby her husband would only get to know for one precious month in the hospital before he passed away.

Heather opens up about navigating new motherhood while grieving, remarrying and growing her fa...

As a twin mom, life was crazy when my kids were little - but today's guest, Steph, took that adventure to a whole new level!

In this episode, Steph shares about her fertility journey, including the moment she chose to ignore what turned out to be very inaccurate advice from her doctor. She opens up about using a sperm donor, welcoming twins, and then — a few years later — going through the same process again… only to find herself laughing uncontrollably when she learned she was pregnant with triplets.

Steph walks us through her pregnancies, navigating life w...

What does motherhood look like when your office is in the sky?

In this episode, Tracy shares what it’s really like to raise her 10-year-old son while working as a flight attendant. From the surprising perks of having clear boundaries between home and work, to the emotional weight of time away, Tracy gives an honest look at balancing her job and motherhood.

We talk about breastfeeding in the aviation industry, navigating homeschooling with a nontraditional schedule, and the unexpected ways this career has shaped her relationship with her son.

Plus — Tracy shares insi...

In this powerful and hope-filled episode, I sit down with Mollie, the mom of Nash, who was born at just 21 weeks and 0 days gestation, weighing only 10 ounces — making him the world’s most premature baby. This episode blew me away because this means my micropreemies, who were born at 1.5 pounds, were THREE TIMES BIGGER than Nash - mind blown.Mollie shares about what it was like going into pregnancy so early, specifically following a devastating loss at 18 weeks gestation of her daughter. When Nash was born, his eyes were fused shut, he could not breathe on his own, and his...

In this episode, I talk with Amanda, a mom whose 10-year-old son was hospitalized with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever after developing severe headaches, fever, and a rash. What first appeared to be a typical illness quickly led to a hospital stay and a long journey to recovery.

Amanda shares what it was like navigating uncertainty, advocating for her son, and supporting him through his journey, all while balancing other children and running her own business. While he is now doing much better physically, she opens up about the ongoing ADHD and anxiety he continues to manage following...

In this episode, I sit down with Ja’Bette, who shares her journey of becoming pregnant at 16 years old during her freshman year of college. She opens up about the stigma and challenges of being a pregnant teen, how it strained her family relationships — including a rift with her sister that lasted more than 25 years — and the determination it took to keep pursuing her dreams.

Ja’Bette reflects on the critical role of support, such as what she received from a college mentor and a teacher who believed in her when she needed it most. Because of that enc...

Happy Early New Year! In today's episode, I sit down with Lacey, an attorney and mom of two. Lacey’s oldest son, Christian, was born with a rare medical condition of a cleft that extends up into the area of his eyes, resulting in blindness. She shares what it was like entering motherhood with a medically complex baby (while balancing being in law school!), the surgeries and systems they’ve navigated, and how Christian has grown into a confident, happy teenager who doesn’t let his disability limit his life.

Lacey shares about the importance of visibility, repres...

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses teen mental health struggles and a suicide attempt. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. Resources for support are listed at the end of these notes.In this deeply honest and courageous conversation, I sit down with Janelle, a mom who lived every parent’s worst fear: her teenage daughter, Noe, attempted to take her own life.

Janelle walks us through the time leading up to that terrifying moment—what Noe was experiencing, the anxiety she was battling, and the steps their family had already been taking to supp...

In this powerful and conversation, I sit down with Nikki—a mom whose life changed in an instant when the Palisades wildfire tore through her neighborhood. What began as an ordinary day quickly became a race for survival as flames closed in and Nikki found herself separated from her husband and son during the evacuation.

In this episode, Nikki opens up about: - The moment she realized the fire was coming and the sheer panic of having to flee without her family by her side- The chaotic evacuation, the terrifying hours before they reunited, and the instincts th...

Today's conversation is so very important, and I am not exaggerating when I say that listening could truly help you save someone's life. Our guest today, Aaisha, bravely shares how she has experienced severe postpartum psychosis not just once but twice - after the birth of her daughter and then following a miscarriage. While you may have heard of the term postpartum psychosis, I'm the first to admit that until I heard Aaisha's story (and read her incredible book!), I did not fully understand what it entails and how terrifying and dangerous it is. Aaisha opens up about:

Today's conversation is so very important, and I am not exaggerating when I say that listening could truly help you save someone's life. Our guest today, Aaisha, bravely shares how she has experienced severe postpartum psychosis not just once but twice - after the birth of her daughter and then following a miscarriage. While you may have heard of the term postpartum psychosis, I'm the first to admit that until I heard Aaisha's story (and read her incredible book!), I did not fully understand what it entails and how terrifying and dangerous it is. Aaisha opens up about:

When Joanna was told her newborn son, Jude, was blind, at first she thought her family would never be able to do normal family activities again. Little did she expect that now at age 13, in addition to keeping up with his five siblings, Jude would join the middle school cross-country team with the help of an assistant principal who learned to be his sighted guide. Joanna shares about:

- How her family adjusted to teach Jude life skills and how he navigates his surroundings today

- How he got into running and what it's like...

Today I had the opportunity to chat with Shannon who shares about her journey through life and motherhood with healing loss. She talks about how her hearing loss affected her experiences with not just one, but TWO NICU babies - including one who was born right before Covid. Shannon speaks about how motherhood is different for her, in both good ways and in challenging ones, and what she hopes her journey has taught her children. She shares about her advocacy work and how she helps other mothers including those who are hard of hearing as well addressing widespread motherhood...

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Karen, a mother who tragically lost her 20-year-old daughter, Alyssa, after she took a pain pill that claimed her life. Karen opens up about the immense grief of losing a child as well as struggles around divorce and mental health.

But out of heartbreak, Karen has created a beautiful legacy for Alyssa. Through her organization, Alyssa’s Wishes, she paints beautiful rocks with uplifting messages that people spread around the world, bringing light and kindness to strangers. She also started a neighborhood library in Alyssa’s honor, extending her...

Mamas who have walked the road of infertility hold such a tender place in my heart because of my own personal journey. So when I first came across Jamie and her incredible artwork, I knew I needed to hear her story.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jamie from @glitterenthusiast to talk about how she transformed one of the most difficult chapters of her life—infertility—into something both healing and beautiful. Using the very IVF needles that once represented pain and challenge, Jamie began creating stunning art that became both a form of self-care and a...

In this deeply moving episode, I talk with Danielle, a mama who courageously shares the story of her daughter, Lucy. At just 2 months old, Lucy tragically passed away from SIDS, leaving Danielle and her family to navigate unimaginable grief.

Through her pain, Danielle has found purpose in keeping Lucy’s light alive. She now shares her story to encourage parents to slow down, embrace the everyday moments, and be fully present in their children’s lives.

- Link for the weighted bears Danielle mentions: https://thecollectiveforhope.givecloud.co/weightedbear- Learn more about SIDS and safe slee...

It's here - the highly anticipated Part 2 of Brie's story! Today, Brie shares what it was like coming home from the hospital and adjusting to to her new version of motherhood. She shares about the challenges and the parts that hurt the most, but also about the lessons she's learned and how the past 18 months have changed her life in positive ways as well. It is impossible to listen to this story and the wisdom Brie shares without it changing who you are and how you live. I'm so honored to share it with you today.

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Get ready, Mama Sisterhood family, for one of the most incredible episodes I've ever recorded. Seriously, today's interview made me laugh, cry, and just sit stunned again and again, taking in the strength of this amazing mama. Today's guest, Brie, was in her second trimester when she began to feel sick and felt she likely had the flu. Instead of the flu, though, Brie had strep A which quickly led to sepsis, a c-section at 27 weeks, and the need to be intubated and placed on a ventilator. Brie's odds were not good and her family was prepared for the...

A Mama Sisterhood first - TWO guests today! I had the incredible honor of chatting with Rhandyl and Deonna from the Raising Disabled Podcast. They share their individual motherhood stories - Rhandyl experienced a pre-term birth leading to a host of medical complications for her daughter, Remi, and Deonna shares about how her daughter, Allie, became disabled in an instant after an innocent fall. These amazing mamas share how they joined forces to create their incredible podcast which provides inspiration - and also the raw truth - about raising disabled children.

Check them out at: www.raisingdisabledpodcast...

Twins are amazing - I have twins, some of my good friends have twins - but this twin story is different because today's mama, Chelsea, has conjoined twins. Chelsea found out at her anatomy scan that her twin girls were conjoined, sharing the same pelvis and legs as well as several internal organs. Declining the termination that was suggested, Chelsea's daughters beat the odds that were stacked against them (the percentage of conjoined twins who live past birth is fairly low) to be born healthy and without any major medical issues. Chelsea opens up about the incredible journey her...

This is an adoption story....but not just any adoption story. Today's mama, Kelly, was born with spina bifida and she met her husband, who also has spina bifida, when they were ten years old! After coming in and out of each others lives multiple times as they grew up, they eventually married and decided to adopt. They felt especially pulled to an agency who specialized in placing children with disabilities, and this is where they heard about a set of birth parents who were about to have a little girl with spina bifida. Kelly and her husband knew...

Jess Ronne was brave enough to ask the question: what happens when the cute little boy with profound disabilities ... grows up? I found Jess on her podcast, Coffee with Caregivers, when she and her husband were exploring this question in regards to their teenage son, Lucas, who has profound autism. As if that wasn't enough, they were also raising seven other kids. Through a lot of hard work and prayer, they were able to create Hope Farm, a group home for Lucas and three other young adults, where they have 24-hour care, but also the independence that they need...

When Christin was 32 weeks pregnant, she was planning to head to the airport with her toddler, 2 dogs, and 20 bags that were packed - she had been living in Japan for three years for her husband's military service and she was preparing to return to the US to get settled in before her second baby arrived. Suddenly, her plans changed and next thing she knew, she was being transferred to a different city in Japan where doctors and nurses did not speak her language, trying to understand the medical emergency that was happening as her infant daughter inside her was...

I had been looking for a mama to a child with Tourette Sydrome for a while, and I was so excited to find Katie Reall who is a mom to four kids, TWO of whom have TS. She shares about her journey with her oldest son, Sam, who is now a young adult, and then her second journey with her daughter, Annie, who has some similarities to Sam in her Tourette journey, but who also presents very differently. Katie and her family first educated themselves, then others locally such as teachers and classmates, and they now advocate for individuals...

It was such a pleasure chatting with Abbey Benjamin today. Abby is mama to two children and her daughter, Avery, has a rare genetic disease that led to their family life being different than anticipated. Notice I said different, though, and not one bit less because Abbey makes sure that Avery has the opportunity to go out and live an amazing life filled with trips, adventures, and very importantly, dance class. Abbey shares about how she learned about the importance of inclusion from adults with disabilities and how this changed how she advocated for her daughter. So many good...

Welcome to Season 4! I'm so excited to bring you today's episode which is one I've wanted to do for a long time. Kelley is with us today to talk about balancing being a firefighter while also being a mom. She shares about how she got into this career, how things changed when she became pregnant, what it was like returning to such a physically demanding job post-partum, and how she juggles parenthood with the demands of 24 hour shifts and occasional 2 week strike teams to combat wildfires. Basically, Kelley is freaking AWESOME, I learned so much, and I am so...

Welcome to the Season 3 Finale - I'll be back in a month with Season 4!

Today's interview is such an important topic. I have Kalyn with me who openly shares her experience about what happened when her daughter swallowed a button battery and how this has led her to educate others so more children are safe. This episode includes:

- An open discussion about post-partum mental health issues and about the massive challenges moms face

- What happened when her daughter swallowed the battery including symptoms, an ambulance ride, how it...

I had the honor today of chatting with Kali whose daughter, Sutton, has a feeding tube. This has not in any way stopped her from competing with her high-level cheer team. In fact, she's used her small size to her advantage becoming a flyer, often seen at the top of stunts. In this episode, Kali shares:

- Why Sutton's doctors decided a feeding tube would help her

- What it's like preparing a child for a feeding tube, including educating her classmates and cheer team

- How Sutton makes her feeding tube work...

When you think of February, you may think of the hearts associated with Valentine's Day ... but even more importantly is that February is American Heart Month! So the timing is perfect to bring you today's interview with amazing heart mama, Kennidi! Kennidi's 7-year-old daughter, Oakley, was born with several heart defects and after having a few surgeries when she was younger, Oakley's family was told that her best option was a heart transplant. Oakley has now been on the transplant list for around a year and for almost all of this time, they have been living at the hospital...

This is a big thing to say, but it's true: this interview changed my life. I had the complete honor of interviewing Salym Liufau who is a mom of 4. Salym shares about her journey with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). While this diagnosis may have slowed down what she can do physically, it has also led her to really understand what is important in life - no longer worrying about things like having a Pinterest-worthy house, but instead, stopping to really absorb the joy in her children's faces and snuggling together as a family in bed, sharing movie nights. I'm...

Anita Coyle was living the chaotic motherhood life many of us understand, juggling four children and work as a physical therapist, when one day, her very healthy husband went for a swim, went into the locker room, and died. Anita, whose children ranged between 2 and 12 years old at the time, was left as the solo parent, thrust into navigating this new life while also moving through her own grief journey. She shares the raw and real moments and gives advice for others going through devastating times. She also opens up about how training for triathlons was what kept her...

Five years ago, Catherine suffered an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the delivery of her second daughter leading to ECMO, DIC, a stroke, and an ICU stay followed by a long recovery process that continues today. She beat terriflyingly low odds of survival and has used her journey to help others by creating her own podcast focusing on perinatal trauma where mothers can share their stories and trauma around childbirth can be openly discussed. Her story will have you on the edge of your seat as she tells how she battled each day to live.

You can...

Jennifer could never have expected how her life would change when her daugther, Allison, sprained her ankle. Doctors and physical therapists became alarmed when after 8 weeks, Allison had not improved and in fact, her foot was contracted and would no longer move. From here, Jennifer and Allison began a journey that eventually led to genetic testing and a diagnosis of dystonia, follwed by brain surgery that had a complication, leaving Allison's speech and movement more impaired. Not willing to collapse under the weight of all that had changed, both Jennifer and Allison dove in to every treatment and therapy...

Karyn checked her 8-year-old daughter, Jordyn, in for a quick, 30-minute surgery: having her tonsils and adenoids removed. Little did they know there would be a complication, leading to Jordyn ending up on ECMO, a machine doing the work of her heart and lungs, in the ICU. What was supposed to be a simple procedure left Jordyn fighting for her life and Karyn fighting for Jordyn. This story is terrifying, engaging, inspirational ... and the ending will have you cheering for Jordyn and her amazing mama.